The objective of FAST-Lab. is the seamless knowledge integration of humans and machines/robots creating smart environments by capitalising the advances on Information and Communication Technologies.
Research focus and goals
FAST-Lab. does research in Automation, Industrial Informatics, Industrial Cyberphysical Systems, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. The main application domains for our research are Factory Automation, Healthcare Automation and Smart Mobility building the future Smart Factories, Smart Healthcare and Smart Cities. (Publications included in TUTCRIS by Prof. Jose L. Martinez Lastra and Publications included in Google Scholar by Prof. Jose L. Martinez Lastra.)
FAST-Lab. has been participating in 28 European research projects during the past years. FAST-Lab. is currently participating as one of the partners in the following three research projects:
Multi-Modal and Multi-Aspect Holistic Human-Robot Interaction (FORTIS), a three-year project in 2024-2027, funded by the EU's Horizon Europe programme. FORTIS focuses on delivering a comprehensive Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) solution with multi-modal communication and multi-aspect interaction to foster efficient and safe collaboration between humans and robots. By leveraging advanced technology, it aims to address challenges posed by an aging workforce in the EU, improving employment, working conditions, and welfare. The project includes three main pilots in construction, infrastructure services, and manufacturing, covering five use cases to showcase the solution's safety and effectiveness. Additionally, a portion of the budget will support civilian interaction pilots in settings like healthcare, public events, shopping centers, and grocery stores, enabling real-world evaluation of the HRI system.
See our FORTIS project web page for more information.
Agile Manufacturing as a Service through AI Autonomous Agents (MaaSAI), a three-year project in 2024-2027 funded by the EU's Horizon Europe programme. The MaaSAI project will develop the MaaSAI System, a digital platform that automates and streamlines interactions between manufacturing system providers and consumers in a Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS) ecosystem. By facilitating access to flexible, decentralized capacities, the system reduces traditional investment barriers. The MaaSAI System enables on-demand sustainable manufacturing, optimising resource utilisation, facilitating the transition towards circular facilities, and promoting better integration of the value chain. The incorporation of secure, and real-time data exchange between participating companies ensures fast response times and improves collaboration. The project will deliver three key results: 1) MaaSAI Cloud MaaS Marketplace, 2) MaaSAI Provider Suite, and 3) MaaSAI. The system will be tested in five European pilot sectors: metal machining, gears and mechanical power transmission, biomaterials, food processing, and electronics manufacturing.
See our MaaSAI project web page for more information
Transforming Pruning for Smallholder Agriculture with Enhanced Productivity and Working Conditions Using AR and Robotics (AgRimate), a five-year project in 2025-2030 funded by the EU's Horizon Europe programme. AgRimate focuses on transforming pruning tasks for small-scale farmers using Augmented Reality (AR), Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). It addresses the challenges and labor-intensive nature of pruning high-value crops like olive groves and vineyards with an innovative, scalable solution. This includes an AI module that learns from expert knowledge to solve pruning challenges and tools like a learning tool that adapts to the user’s knowledge and an AR solution providing real-time guidance. Integrated with robotic solutions, it supports users with exoskeletons or autonomously performs tasks. This approach enhances productivity, resource efficiency, and social inclusiveness while improving working conditions in agriculture.
See our AgRimate project web page for more information
